Homemade Teriyaki Sauce brings a rich blend of flavors, combining sweet, salty, and umami notes into a versatile sauce you will want to pour on just about everything. Ideal for enhancing a wide range of dishes, this sauce combines soy sauce, dark brown sugar, and a hint of mirin for depth, with sesame seeds and green onions adding texture and freshness. Whether used as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce, our homemade version blows store-bought alternatives out of the water.
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
We use teriyaki sauce like it is going out of style over here. Not only is it the perfect way to make a couple of chicken breasts and some rice into a whole meal that everyone will love, but you can use it as a marinade, a dip, or toss a few tablespoons in soup to really amp up the flavor.
It’s a thick, bold sauce that goes well with everything from stir-fries and grilled dishes to vegetables and rice, too. Making it at home allows for adjustments in the sweetness and saltiness, so you can make the perfect version for your family.
Recipes Using Teriyaki Sauce
- Blackstone Beef Teriyaki
- Blackstone Teriyaki Meatballs
- Grilled Teriyaki Pork Chops
- Blackstone Teriyaki Shrimp Kabobs
- Chicken Teriyaki
- Smoked Teriyaki Beef Jerky
- Teriyaki Steak Yakisoba
- Traeger Chicken Teriyaki
- Grilled Teriyaki Salmon
Why you’ll love this dish…
- Healthier Alternative: By controlling the ingredients, you can make a version lower in sugar and salt than commercial sauces.
- Versatile Usage: Works beautifully as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce for a variety of dishes.
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can prepare it quickly.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or thickness to your liking, making it perfect for multiple dishes.
- Long Shelf Life: When stored properly, it can last a long time in the fridge, ready to enhance your meals.
Try our Homemade Bang Bang Sauce too!
Teriyaki Sauce shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Water
- Soy Sauce
- Dark Brown Sugar
- Mirin
- Sesame Oil
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Corn Starch
- Sesame Seeds
- Green Onions
How to make homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Wondering what you’re getting yourself into when you make this dish? Here’s a quick overview of the process! Make sure you follow the instructions at the recipe card at the bottom of the post while you’re cooking.
- CombineIn a saucepan, mix the water, soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Heat until the mixture begins to simmer.
- SimmerAllow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
- ThickenMix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to form a slurry. Gradually add this to the simmering sauce, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Mix-InsStir in the chopped green onions and sesame seeds while the sauce is still hot, ensuring they are well incorporated.
- Cool and StoreAllow the sauce to cool before transferring it to an airtight container for storage in the refrigerator.
Teriyaki Sauce FAQ
How long can I store homemade teriyaki sauce?
Properly stored in an airtight container, it can last up to a month in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze teriyaki sauce?
Yes, it freezes well. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.
What are some variations?
For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of sriracha.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce to make a gluten-free version.
Serve this with…
More great recipes to love!
- Asian Cucumber Salad
- Asian Chicken Salad
- Thai Red Curry Chicken Wings
- Quick Cucumber Kimchi
- Smoked Pulled Pork Fried Rice
- Korean Ground Beef Bowl
- Spicy Beef and Korean Rice Cakes – Tteokbokki
- Blackstone Beef and Broccoli
- Bachan’s Smoked Flank Steak
- Shrimp Udon with Miso Brown Butter
- Blackstone Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Teriyaki Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon cold water
- 2 teaspoons corn starch
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons green onions
Instructions
- Combine the water, soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan.
- Bring to a low simmer, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Combine the water and corn starch and make a slurry.
- Drizzle into the simmering sauce and whisk until thickened.
- Stir in the green onions and sesame seeds while still hot.
Nutrition
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.